that is all I can say

I understand all about progress, and such. But somehow it almost makes me ill so view these latest pictures of RIR. I spent so much good time there from 1968 to 1979. Frank, your web site is a blessing!

Thanks, Joel.

Here's a recently inaugurated replica track
built by a member of the yahoo! RIR group:
Mike's model RIR photos

I say that! I'm on that Riverside Yahoo groups thingy. Just trying to sort through all the memories of RIR before I try to post over there. BTW Frank, did you see my reply to your post on the Pan American Road Races on the Track Forum?

I saw that! I'm on that Riverside Yahoo groups thingy. Just trying to sort through all the memories of RIR before I try to post over there. BTW Frank, did you see my reply to your post on the Pan American Road Races on the Track Forum?

JM70-
I was excited to see your post above in response to my old Riverside Mustang. I tried to email you through your profile, but assume it didn't get to you. Several people who post here have been very helpful to me, including Frank and Bob Key, but nobody specifically has remembered this car until you.
Without diverting this thread too much I will say the story has taken some turns and much of what was said in my original post turns out not to be true. The driver was Bob Elgin, the original owner, not an amputee and still alive somewhere in SoCal, but not wanting to be found due to other trials in life so I may never get the story from him. Got four of his handwritten pages from SCCA archives and have made some progress deciphering tech stickers in the photo, but still missing a lot of details. Sounds like you may remember quite a bit JM and I also have some neat photos that may jog your memory, so please contact me at nodular@earthlink.net My email under my profile here is old and will not work.
Long live Riverside....
Thanks,
Dave

Yes, they were, and I have a second copy of the program:
RIR Midgets 1958/01/19

Tucked away in this one were some clippings, seemingly from the Los Angeles Times of the following Monday. One story about the midgets race, one (obscure by now) photo of a Turn Six accident (on the back of which appears Archie Moore, whom I had the great pleasure of meeting in about 1964), and one short report of a milestone race that took place on the same day as the RIR event:



In case you missed the first midgets program and its addenda, here can be seen a couple pages, as well as notes from participants and a spectator or two, and links to Bill Bean's unique photos:
Midget road racing at Riverside International Raceway, 1958

--
Frank S

Riverside International Raceway!
I am new to this forum. I found it while doing some internet research on Riverside. A google search led me to a site with many pages of pictures, diagrams and maps. It also contained a link to this site with a suggestion that this thread may be of interest. It is. I have not yet taken the time to read all of the posts, but I'll work on it.
I've known there was such a place as RIR for as long as I can remember. But other than it being a race track, I knew little or nothing about it.
I've paid attention to race tracks in my area. I worked (once) at Donnybrook Motor Speedway, normally called Brainerd International Raceway. I've watched races there, but never competed.
I knew and visited Road America (Elkhart Lake) Drag raced my '65 Corvette at Twin Cities Speedway. Knew and saw ElCO, Raceway Park.
I raced stock cars for a lot of years at all the local dirt tracks.
And the above indirectly led me to an interest in RIR.
This past weekend I was up at Interstate Dragways, near Fargo. My son lives in Fargo and is actively involved in both oval track and drag racing.
While at Interstate, I was introduced to a friend of my son. Ultimately, that evening he lent us a video to watch. He said it'd be good. Trust me! He said.
It was a VHS tape that covered mostly RIR in many of its forms of racing. Includes shots of AJ Foyt in his red and white Ford. 00 with "moon" eyes in the 00's.
He wrecked it.
I think I liked the road racing stock cars the best.
Anyway, I saw what a challenge RIR would have been to race, and why drivers probably couldn't resist racing there. I decided I needed to know more about RIR, and I now regret that I had not made it #1 on my list of things to do back in the '60s or even '70s.
Too late now, but not too late to learn all I can from those who were there, and those who raced there. I won't be posting on this forum much, but I'll sure be reading. I want to learn about Riverside, and I have little to offer, since I was never there.
If a memorial comes to the point of possibility, I will make it a point to do whatever I can to help make it happen.
If anyone can suggest any good video's of racing at Riverside, I would like to hear about them, as long as it's still available in some way. (even ebay)
Thanks for putting up with my long post.
Mark D. newly registered.

A challenge is about to be issued!

And, for lack of a better phrase - "Gentlemen, start your engines!"

As the members know most words in this thread involve the memories of Riverside and the efforts underway to place a memorial at the former road race circuit. As most members also know our group has had success in doing exactly this at RIR's sister track in a similar setting to that being proposed in Los Angeles.

Ironic that these two locations still have a connection after almost 50 years.

September 2007 with be the 50th anniversary of the opening at RIR and as a group we need to make "Richard's" dream of placing a memorial for RIR happen in September 2007. I would also suggest that when this dedication does take place next year we have the "First Annual" TNF worldwide gathering at Riverside.

This is not just going to happen so the challenge becomes for all of us to take time from our hectic schedules and begin to contact ( in hard copy letter form ) those individuals we all know that had and still have connections to the former road race circuit. My letter is currently in the mail.

Please put up your thoughts, ideas and suggestions on how TNF can make this happen. I for one believe this 50th anniversary is the ideal time to make this happen and for God's sake lets not wait another 50 years.

I would like to get Richard's thoughts.

Well, first off, thanks Henry for picking up the reins.

I suppose the most direct way of garnering "official" support is to petition the management at the Petersen Automotive Museum as they now control the intellectual property rights of RIR.

All that is needed, is their written authorization to move ahead. Their contact information can be found at their website.

Thank you for your continued support.

I would suggest that Art Evans at the Fabulous Fifties would be a good contact...that group has connections all over the place...they honored Les Richter in December...Phil Hill, Bill Krause (both Times GP winners) were there, as were Roger Penske's son (Roger was another Times GP winner), Dan Gurney, etc.
Looking at other Times GP winners, we have Chuck Daigh, Sir Jack Brabham,and John Surtees and Riverside USRRC winners include Jim Hall and Buck Fulp...wow, I'd probably be on a plane if all those guys were there!!!

Vince Howlett, Victoria, B.C., Canada

Oops, I forgot another Times GP winner: Parnelli Jones in '64...I was there for that one!

Vince H.

Art Evans is a great contact but neither Richard nor I can make contact.

Two of the names mentioned also have letters in route from me.

The question becomes, what are we going to do as a group to move this "stalled" project forward in order to have Richard's memorial on the ground for the 50th anniversary of RIR in September 2007? :\

I am ready for a world wide TNF gathering!

Just a reminder of what RIR is all about:



This gentleman is also registered in granite as Mr. Simpson predicted.

Jim Simpson recalls, "I told him, 'That kid is going to the world's greatest racing driver, and you can put that in granite.' "

Well..............we did that but it was not at RIR.

Gentlemen, lets re-build the fire within all of us!

Henry

I have this from Richard Holcomb (richard_holcomb atsign datatronics dotsign com) :

Hello Frank,

Do you have any records of drivers who died at RIR?

The reason for this morbid question is that some people think that Mimmie’s Café, a newly built restaurant adjacent to Costco have ghosts. Do you know what was on these grounds before RIR?

Any information in this regard would be appreciated.

===========

I mentioned to him that Jim Thurman has a list., and that at least Pedro von Dory met his maker in the esses, which ran just east of Costco, near as I can tell.

Anyone else have any conjecture as to the likelihood of spiritual presences at RIR? I know a good portion of my heart is still there ...

Henry,

If you don't already have this, Art Evans' e-mail is f50s@yahoo.com. With the Monterey Historics and Pebble Beach (and the Fabulous Fifties reception) he'll be in Monterey this week/weekend.

I do hope to get over for the September gathering.

David Seibert

I must say I can remember quite a few, but the list is long, and my memory is shorter that it used to be. The fatal incidents range from drivers who crashed, to drivers who died from a heart attack while driving. (Can't remember the name, but I was in the tower, and we found an oxygen bottle under the seat of his tow vehicle.) There was also a fatal when a drunk spectator got on course after a Can-Am race and crashed his street car.
By the time the end came for RIR, it wasn't just the fact the property was being commercialized, but the track was just too old for the speed of the cars. We all know it was built in 1957, but if you take a few minutes to research the lap times of the fastest class of cars through the years, you will understand what I mean. In 1957 nobody could have concieved of doing T1 flat. How about the second generation Can-Am cars? Flat in top from 9b till 5.
I have no proof, but I think K and K insurance may have had a great deal to do with the demise of RIR. I feel there were many expensive changes that would have had to been made to continue racing there.
Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved the place. I was there for every event from 1968 until 1979.
When I got back from Vietnam in 1967, I visited my aunt in Riverside. I asked her to drive me to the track. That place was like a second home to me.

If WE all push very hard perhaps we can make Richard's dream of a memorial happen on the 50th anniversary.

I have personally written 10 or so letters to key individuals from the Peterson Museum on down.

These things are not going to happen unless we get involved as a collection!

The one here in Augusta is not an issue but perhaps the others, including RIR, will never take place unless we gather!

Henry

Here is a link to a listing of drivers that died at Riverside.

http://www.motorsportmemorial.org/query.ph...209,208,213,210

May they rest in peace.

In 2008, it will be about 20 years since it has closed :\

Hopefully i will see the remainds of a once great track ,when iam there next month....

Absolutely nothing left to see now Doug

Sorry. No hope.

If you do actually get to that neighborhood, see if you can
find the "Community Center" facility, where there may be some
memorabilia on display. I have one of those approach-avoidance
conflicts going about that place: I'd like to know what (if anything)
they are doing, but fear it would be a depression-inducer to actually
see it.



From Orange Empire Photo Gallery Page 7

This is the group that needs to be approached by TNF members, as well as other Motor Sports fans, if we hope to do anything for the 50th anniversary next year. The placement of the RIR monument would be perfectly acceptable.

http://www.petersen.org/

The Petersen Museum controls this entire situation.

My letter has already been placed into Mr. Dick Messer's hands!

Others perhaps?

Henry

Maybe some people could go to the Parnelli Jones get-together in November and talk it up...maybe get Parnelli and others on-side?...Frank?

Vince H.

The second paragraph of my June 7, 2006 letter to Mr. Messer, realizing full well that the RIR Memorial Project is actually being driven by several members of TNF. As with AIRPS it makes no difference who gets credit for these types of things.

Henry


It is my understanding a memorial project is taking place for Riverside International Raceway and I find it ironic that these two “sister” tracks still have a connection after almost 50 years. In September of 2007 the Society will be conducting its fourth annual celebration here in Augusta and I would like to suggest that the Peterson Automobile Museum perhaps make plans to dedicate your proposed memorial on the 50th anniversary of Riverside during that same month. Our group would be more than happy to make the trip to California for your dedication.

If I'm not mistaken, it "unofficially" closed in the fall of 1989. I actually did a lapping day w/ the Skip Barber program in April, 1989, at RIR.

Henry, I have skimmed the thread, but I am not sure what the current goal or status is. I assume more than a plaque is called for; perhaps an event with drivers, participants, vehicles, films, book signing, food & grog?

I ask because I could try to build interest among some people -- especially Art Evans & Fab 50s group (host to celebrations at Paramount Ranch & Willow Springs) and they in turn could be very influential, but you say the Petersen Museum controls this entire situation -- do they have a plan in the making? Unless the Petersen has something already underway, do not count on them to take the lead. Consider it a good location for an event if the "Community Center" facility is too small, or too depressing a site for a celebration.

In addition to posting here, you may want to call, email, or send a PM if I can be of assistance.
Mark Godfrey
manager(at)brownfoxbooks.com
805-684-5951

Mark, TNF's own Richard Holub (aka rdrcr) is the driving force behind the RIR Memorial Project and his passion for RIR is as much as mine for AIR.

Am sure Richard will catch up with this thread and do as you suggest and I will certainly help in any manner possible.

Richard and I spoke as late as two weeks ago as we were moving into the final planning for the AIR annual event. RIR has mega opportunities up and above what we have accomplished here in Augusta but WE must move in any manner possible. Waiting for someone else to make this happen will simply mean it does not happen. Are we up to it?

http://home.san.rr.com/fsheff/RIRmonument.htm

I believe the TNF group could very well develop the necessary "driving force" to make this project a reality if WE as a GROUP begin now.

Henry

Dare I suggest trying to get the Mission Inn for an event of the type Mark suggests? The Mission Inn was the official hotel of RIR and site of press functions for many Riverside events. So it has the heritage and connection.

Err, umm, cost aside of course.

Frank, your comments regarding a visit to the Community Center and it's possibility of being a depression inducer, echo my sentiments exactly.

Mark et al

Earlier, I mentioned the Parnelli Jones get-together in November at the Petersen...also, from the Fab 50s..."We plan to honor Chuck Daigh at our December banquet with the Lindley Bothwell Lifetime Achievement Award"...two top names from the history of Riverside...hopefully someone will be at either/both events to promote the idea of the project.

I just had a look at the Mission Inn website...I'm a little dizzy from the virtual tours!...it looks lovely, if a little out of my "league"...but I'd sure start saving up if a get-together were planned there...Frank? Mark? Henry?...please let me know if I can help from here in any way...

Vince H., Victoria, B.C., Canada

Thanks.

In my conversations with Richard there are two issues here.

The memorial placement and the possibility of a gathering.

I understand from Richard that the memorial has been designed, the memorial has been funded and a placement at the Community Center has been OK'd. The only remaining thing that needs to be done is for the Petersen to OK the use of the RIR name, which they own.

The second issue, a gathering, can be put together without too much effort.

I also understand from Richard that he has received numerous approvals from former drivers of their intention to attend any function that may be put together to place the memorial and honor the track.

Richard, please correct me if I am wrong!

Henry

Henry has it nearly correct -

The RIR Monument has been approved for its installation at the TownGate Community Center. (the Center now displays much of the RIR memorabilia owned by the City and has a racing theme for the children's play area). Its funding was curtailed when the design and other uses of the RIR name infringed upon the Intellectual Property rights owned by the Fritz Duda Co and now, the Petersen Museum. These aspects of the project will need to be realized - though once the Petersen gives its approval in writing, I think the funding can be achieved in short order.

Officials at the City of Moreno Valley have offered to accommodate us in whatever way we require - utilizing the Center for the unveiling party etc.

I have received numerous pledges from Dan Gurney, Les Richter, Parnelli Jones and other drivers, local historic car and motorcycle owners, Dick Marconi, Tom Malloy et. al. to contribute their time and vehicles to create a great static show for the ceremony. Though it has been some time since I have communicated with them about this particular subject. That said, should the Petersen get their act together one way or another, I imagine, rekindling that support will take no more than a few phone calls.

Frankly, I find it a bit disheartening that some here would find attending some sort of function at the Center so emotionally painful, they might not attend. Unless I am reading something into the recent posts that isn't there. The great RIR has now been a part of history for almost 20 years - get over it.

Anyway, thank you all for your renewed interest and I ask that you contact Mr. Messer at the Petersen to emphasize the importance and immediacy to get this project back on track!

Unfortunately, due to my time constraints, I no longer have the extra time to expedite all of the details of this project. However, I do have all of the materials and contacts of those that were directly involved, e.g. the monument maker, etc. and all are still in business.

It doesn't matter to me where this ceremony takes place, but it seems that if the City of Moreno Valley was so accommodating in the past, they should be a first consideration should a renewed effort be undertaken. Though I agree that the Mission Inn would be a grand place to hold the party -

Thanks again fellas!!

P.S.

If this cumulative body gets the approval from the Petersen, and the funding, I'll devote some time to making sure the Monument itself is created and installed as intended. That is, if the Petersen will allow me to do so...

Best of Luck ~

I haven't been following all of this well enough to understand everything that has gone on, so please excuse me if I sound a bit brain-dead. It seems that a mass email campaign might be in order at this point. Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't organizations such as the California Sports Car Club (SCCA), NASCAR, vintage racing clubs and others who used RIR be more involved? With some guidance from any of you out there, I'd be happy to contact these organizations to see what might be done. If enough interested members of these organizations where to contact Peterson, and others involved, things might happen. As I said, I'm not up to speed on this whole thing, but perhaps I might be able to help. If this has already been started or if it doesn't sound reasonable please let me know.

Richard, thanks for update. It sounds very promising & well along.

Do not be discouraged by the lack of action at the Petersen Museum. I do not think they would have a problem with the use of the name or likeness of the track on the monument, it is just a matter of taking the time to grant your request. As we discussed just now on the phone, drafting a license agreement for them to sign may help move this along.
I will be in touch.
Mark

Richard

You said, "...some here would find attending some sort of function at the Center so emotionally painful, they might not attend..."

I attended a Westwood reunion last weekend...it took place at the bottom of the hill leading up to the old track (all that area is now very developed). We have talked about gatherings right at the old site, but many people, including myself, have declined...we'd rather remember it as it was...sorta like, if someone dies, some people want to see the body, but others would rather have the memory of the live person (ew, did I say that?) I "lived with" Westwood for over thirty years! Others have ventured up the hill to see what, if anything, is left. I wouldn't mind attending a ceremony at the Riverside Center, but I could understand if people like Frank might find it difficult.

Vince H.

My God folks, lets just do this thing!

Received word today that a street next to a "blip" in history called the Augusta International Raceway will be named for Ken Miles. Surely, pushing some buttons via snail mail or e-mail will get some juices flowing in California for a track that lasted for decades. Or, shall we wait another 50 years in hopes that someone will do something for the 100th anniversary so we can write about it here at TNF?

I put this up over at the AIR thread and nothing the "powers to be" decide will be more important than a family member spending a few moments in silence with a loved one.

Henry

HistoricMustang wrote:
My God folks, lets just do this thing!

Received word today that a street next to a "blip" in history called the Augusta International Raceway will be named for Ken Miles. Surely, pushing some buttons via snail mail or e-mail will get some juices flowing in California for a track that lasted for decades. Or, shall we wait another 50 years in hopes that someone will do something for the 100th anniversary so we can write about it here at TNF?

I Agree. I talked with Richard earlier today about the problems he has had in trying to make this thing happen. He and others have put so much into this project and it would be a shame to let it die. The only possible solution I can see to get the Peterson organization off dead-center is to flood them with e-mails, faxes, phone calls and letters. This would have to be done in a blitz fashion to have any impact. Peterson has to understand that nobody is trying to screw them out of anything, all we want is the monument. How to get the request for action out to thousands of RIR lovers is the big question. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I would like to get involved in this project in some way and will be contacting some racing clubs, drivers, track owners and just about anybody that will listen. We need to do this as a large group. If I'm talking out my butt just let me know (it won't make any difference, but let me know anyway). As HistoricMustang wrote:
My God folks, lets just do this thing!

side note: There might be a little light at the end of the tunnel. Although Richard didn't go into any details he was a bit encouraged after a conversation he had with Mark Godfrey.

Here you go, a contact list.

Start with e-mail to Dick Messer:

http://www.petersen.org/default.cfm?docid=205

Mine is already in his "In Box".

Then follow up with hard copy in mail:

Dick Messer
Petersen Museum
6060 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: 323-930-CARS

If this does not get things moving then we crank it up a notch, then another until "something" is done.

Henry

Great, Henry. Mine is on the way. Thanks for the contact numbers. Now comes the job of reaching a few thousand others to do the same. Got any ideas? I've got a few that I'll be working on, but willing to try just about anything.

Yesterday I drafted a license agreement and sent it to Richard for review, and for an address of two to be filled in.

From what I understand after an in-depth conversation with Richard yesterday, (and as has been posted here) the hold-up was/is using the copyrighted name and also the likeness of the circuit on the Marker.

No license could/would be granted during the years it took for the sale/transition of this “intellectual property” now in the hands of the Petersen Automobile Museum.

From my perspective, what Dick Messer et al. need is a simple license agreement with a return envelope.
Asking the Petersen to draft a document is a recipe for inaction.

I can/will be contacting an administrative assistant whom in the past has gotten things done there, this may be a better conduit the via Dick Messer direct.

At this point I feel a writing campaign is not needed and would be counter productive. The way to accomplish the goal is to make it as simple and painless as possible -- with as few words, and no work required on their part.

My view is a license agreement is first step, and one has not yet been submitted.

Mark

Mark,
If you feel a writing campaign is not needed and would be counter productive, then I'll stop what I'm doing right now. I wouldn't want to muddy things up.

Mark, I am prepared to go on your direction so perhaps a delay in the writing campaign is appropriate.

We have a little time so please keep us informed.

A bump in this thread if it goes dormant would be acceptable with the necessary time schedule, just to make sure everyone who wants to be involved gets involved.

Having been through the building of a monument it is going to be imperative that things begin to move no later than the first of the year (2007).

Here is the body of my e-mail which is nothing more (at this time) than a follow up to my recent letter offering help from AIRPS.

Henry

Mr. Messer,
As a follow-up to my recent letter, I wanted to again offer to help in any
manner with the proposed memorial for Riverside International Raceway.

Interest is building as RIR approaches its 50th anniversary!

Good Racing,
Henry Jones
Augusta International Raceway
Preservation Society (AIRPS)
PO Box 1403
Hephzibah, GA 30815
www.augustavintagenationals.com
www.augustainternationalraceway.com
A 501C3 non profit organization

After brainstorming a bit with Mark, we have come to the conclusion that in the absence of a new champion, the best course of action is to solicit the Petersen directly. To have them provide the required funding, creation of the commemorative marker and to provide the ceremony.

Allison Inouye, Administrative Assistant to Mr. Messer may be able to get our message across.
Email: ainouye@petersen.org
Phone: (323) 964-6357
Mailing Address: Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Please write via email, snail mail or call to bring this project to their full attention.

As always, we are are open to suggestions and are actively seeking someone with the resourcefulness and time, to take a leadership role in this project.

Thanks again ~

The following has been sent!

Henry

Others?

Dear Ms. Inouye,
During the late 1950's and early 1960's the developers of the Augusta
International Raceway made several trips to Riverside International Raceway
and a decision was made to build a sister road circuit to the Riverside
International Raceway here in Augusta, Georgia.

This former racing facility is having a rebirth, up to and including the
placement of the Augusta International Raceway Monument on September 11,
2004. Two weeks ago on September 9, 2006 a second expansion was made to the
original placement.

The Augusta International Raceway Preservation Society (AIRPS), a 501C3
non-profit organization, would like to offer our help with the memorial
project at the former Riverside International Raceway as you approach the
50th anniversary of this magnificent circuit in September 2007.

Our group is prepared to make the journey to Riverside International Raceway
as you dedicate a memorial to our sister track.

Thanks so much and please let me know if we can help.

Good Racing,
Henry Jones
Augusta International Raceway
Preservation Society (AIRPS)
PO Box 1403
Hephzibah, GA 30815
www.augustavintagenationals.com
www.augustainternationalraceway.com

Richard has been mute.

Something tells me something is UP!

Do not make firm plans for September 2007!

Plan to do the right coast and then the left coast.

Henry

I spoke with David Myers, General Manager of the Petersen - he will be looking into this matter.

The situation regarding the RIR Holdings is still unresolved with the Fritz Duda Co. This is 180° from what I was told some time ago. I cannot go into specifics, but what I can say is, that this matter is on the BoD agenda and should be sorted soon. :\ Whatever... I was also told that there should be an answer, ASAP, as to the legal aspects as far as the Petersen was concerned.

I also suggested to David, that they (the Petersen) become the lead in this effort as the way is virtually paved for them. He said he would take that suggestion to the BoD as well.

We'll see...

Riverside Today

Actually Monday last, 11 December 2006.

I had some business in Loma Linda and San Bernardino, and concluded it
early in order to leave time for finding and examining the Moreno Valley
Community Center's tribute to Riverside International Raceway.

Arrived at about 1:30 pm, was finished in about ten minutes. Sigh.

Here's what I found and examined.


Edit: I need to emphasize: I made the photos of the more-or-less publicly displayed artifacts; it'll be a pleasure to credit the owners of copyright on the actual objects, authors of which are not within my ken.

Resp'y,
Frank S

Riverside in 1972- Sam Posey, Loretta Swit, Brian Redman and Yolanda Veloz and Graham McRae
Frank: Great pictures. That trophy Queen's name was Yolanda Veloz. Her parents were Famous dancers Veloz and Yolanda. She was married to Bernie Koppel of the Love Boat and also of Get Smart. Graham McRae was third that day. Gus Hutchinson fourth and Bob Muir was fifth. John Gunn was sixth. Sid Taylor and I helped Brian with that race. He drove the prototype Chevron B24, F-5000 car. Last F-5000 race of 1972. Brian Redman won that F-5000 race. He won it again in 1973. This time driving for the Haas/Hall Team in a Lola. In 1974 he was second to Mario Andretti and in 1975 he was third. To Mario Andretti and Al Unser. The guy on the right doesn't look like Graham McRae but he has STP stickers on his outfit and that is who sponsored Graham that year. Must be him.
photo Frank S

Ya know, the thing I don't understand is that how come this track that means so much to so many, esp the drivers, esp guys like Dan who were quite well off financially at the time the track was about to be converted into a mall, didn't step forth and do something, like maybe buy it? At times like this, you want those with the financial power and influence to do something..

I was there that day, seated in the turn 6 stands. I was going to suggest McRae as it's obviously the podium finishers (I noticed the STP patch too). The stars of "M*A*S*H" were on hand that day, the show having just debuted (I recall McLean Stevenson being interviewed over the P.A.). Also the Packard club with an array of cars they paraded.